Bubbles flavored the good times as hip 20-something’s moved to the beat and mingled at the W Hotel’s Whiskey Blue in Westwood. What brought on this occasion? Piper-Heidsieck and Viktor &Rolf have unofficially launched the LA fashion week by introducing the world’s first-ever upside down champagne bottle.
“Champagne is the glamour drink, par excellence. It’s an elixir of seduction. The essence of celebration. It makes people sparkle….” words from the legendary Viktor & Rolf design company.
Piper-Heidsieck, the Champagne’s creator has been dazzling your taste buds since 1785. Over the years they’ve perfected their portfolio, with such recent additions as Cuvee Sublime, Brut Vintage 1998, Cuvee Rare, and Brut Vintage 2000. Their champagnes are famous for that “radiant” and “crisp” taste; a choice made by their illustrious winemaker who has happened to just win London’s International Wine Challenge’s “Winemaker of the Year” trophy for the seventh time. He knows his stuff.
The limited edition Viktor and Rolf-designed bottle for Piper-Heidsieck’s Rose Sauvage vintage champagne is an iconic and extravagant creation sure to break tradition and re-define classical style. “We asked ourselves […] how can we make something new out of something eternal,” the company said. They chose to invert the proportions of the classic champagne bottle by creating an enormous cork and a narrower base. The bottom of the bottle becomes the top and the labels are reversed. Accessories, such as flutes and buckets, are also upside-down. And history is made.
Michelle Rowell, their brand manager says, “In turning our Rose Sauvage upside down, Viktor & Rolf have redefined the iconic champagne bottle and created something even more glamorous.”
Whiskey Blue is termed “the destination for LA’s “IT” crowd,” and the moment you enter you can see why. Its dynamic design, provocative lighting, and ambient music. While located just off the lobby, it offers guests several options for lounging.
The most coveted, “The Gray Room,” usually reserved for exclusive events boasts several four-post beds with shades that cater to guests looking to lounge discretely.
As the champagne poured, nearby monitors played musical montages featuring classic Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire clips. Uniquely, it fits the night’s light and fun nature, just like the drink. The clips were 
specially chosen by Viktor & Rolf. Not only do they create the beverage’s signature look, but they also fine-tune any accompanying images as well. They want to influence your experience, and they know what they’re doing.
The young crowd was a mix of West-side cool and Hollywood hip. A young studio worker took a sip and exclaimed: “Delicious. Perfect end to my day.” A beautiful young woman nuzzled her flute, taking in the intoxicating blend just before revealing a wide grin and, “This is really yummy. I’m really liking this.”
As the evening progressed couples nestled in dark corners and enjoyed the ambience. Stars from “Project Runway” Robert, Kit Pistol and Kayne arrived and indulged with the exclusive beverage as well.
Talk to one of the servers and you learn just how much the beverage is enjoyed. The delish delight is already a huge hit and they’re expecting big sales during upcoming LA fashion week. “It fits the mood,” she says. “During the events there will be models and actresses DJ-ing. It’s gonna be a great vibe, just like there is tonight. That’s what this drink does, makes everyone happy.”
With that, their server offered me my third flute of the night. I shrugged, “I shouldn’t.” As she held it there in mid-air, I quickly reasoned, “But it tastes so good.”
